Monday, October 28, 2024

Book Review: Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor by Roseanna M. White

About the Book:




The Nutcracker and Edwardian-Era England combine to weave a magical tale of love and friendship at Christmastime.


As the beloved stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, Lady Mariah Lyons cherishes her home at Plumford Manor, but her idyllic world will be threatened when the estate passes to Cyril Lightbourne, a childhood friend she hasn't seen or heard from in years. Once, Mariah dreamed their friendship would kindle into something more, but that was before she heard Cyril was courting the cruelhearted Lady Pearl. Now Mariah is willing to welcome him as a friend and pray he will be the heir her stepfather needs, but she'll keep her heart locked safely away from anyone with such poor taste.

Cyril Lightbourne has long avoided returning to Plumford Manor, yet he reluctantly arrives in time for Christmas. When his friendship with Lady Mariah reignites, he finds himself caught between his affection for her and her family's misunderstanding of his attachment to Lady Pearl. Then, more trouble arrives in the form of a Danish lord on a mission to win Mariah's hand by Christmas. Will the magic of the holiday season help lead to the discovery of true love, or will duty to country leave all longing for what could have been?


Advance Praise:

"So many delightful layers to this tale, along with intriguing characters and beautiful descriptions...It really puts you in the mood for Christmas."— Melody Carlson, author of The Christmas Tree Farm and A Royal Christmas

"Sugar plums, gingerbread, and all the Christmasy feels go into this charming holiday romance."— Michelle Griep, Christy Award-winning author of Once Upon a Dickens Christmas


My Thoughts:

In Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor, Roseanna M. White offers readers a sweet story of childhood friends rekindling their relationship and becoming more during an enchanted Christmas season. With a children’s play, sugar plums, and nutcrackers, the novella’s tone felt light and merry. The novella touched gently on forgiveness, hope, and the true miracle of Christmas – the Christ-child born to dwell with mankind. Although a bit convenient, misunderstandings were easily explained and missteps were freely pardoned. Overall, the story was less impactful than the author’s full-length novels, but still a nice read.

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor is a stand-alone novella by Roseanna M. White with an inspirational message of Christmas cheer and hope.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.


About the Author:




Roseanna M. White (RoseannaMWhite.com) is a bestselling, Christy Award-winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.



Friday, October 25, 2024

Book Spotlight: Fiancé Finale by Angela Ruth Strong

Fiancé Finale JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Fiancé Finale by Angela Ruth Strong hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book


Fiancé Finale Title: Fiancé Finale 
Series: Love Off Script #3 
Author: Angela Ruth Strong 
Publisher: Kregel Publications 
Release Date: October 22, 2024 
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance 

Charlie Newberg is sure about one thing: Nicole Lemaire is the woman God wants him to marry. There's a slight problem, though—he's already left her once. The day before their wedding. To make a documentary. 

But he's got a plan. The marketing firm she works for is the ideal choice for promoting his new film. Collaborating will give him the perfect chance to propose again, so he conspires with her boss to make sure she runs the campaign for the same kind of documentary Charlie left her—basically at the altar—for. 

Despite Nicole's resistance, the two work well together. But Charlie's going to need more than teamwork to convince the jilted bride to give him a second chance. In fact, he might need to fall in love in a way he's never really understood.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub


More Books from this Series: 


Husband Auditions: A Novel (Love Off Script Book 1) Hero Debut: A Novel (Love Off Script Book 2)


Excerpt


Enter Charlie. Or at least I think it’s Charlie. He’s still rocking his outdoorsy vibe and in need of a haircut, but he’s also got a bushy brown beard hiding his cleft chin and exquisite bone structure. His intense dark eyes take in my bloody lip from underneath brooding eyebrows. “What happened to your face?”

The pastor’s daughter in me used to appreciate that she never had to guess what Charlie was thinking. I found it a refreshing change from living in a glass house and having everyone in the community judge me while being fake nice. But at this moment, I don’t appreciate his reminder of my failure.

I was supposed to have the job and the journey without him. Now all I have is a bloody tissue.

“What happened to yours?” I counter.

He strokes his facial hair. “You like it? I’m entering a contest at the state fair.”

“I’m sure you’ll win.” I shrug to let him know his new look has absolutely no effect on my life. “You always win.”

About the Author

Angela Ruth Strong

Angela Ruth Strong is the founder of IdaHope Christian Writers. Her books have earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been a finalist for the Christy, won the Cascade Award, and become Amazon best sellers. Her book Finding Love in Big Sky, Montana released as a movie in 2022. Strong lives in Meridian, Idaho, with her husband.

Connect with Angela by visiting angelaruthstrong.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Fiancé Finale and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Fiancé Finale JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 23, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 30, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Book Spotlight: Frittered Moments by Allison Pearl

Frittered Moments JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Frittered Moments by Allison Pearl, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Frittered Moments

Title: Frittered Moments
Series:
Love and Danger in St. Claire #5
Author:
Allison Pearl
Publisher:
Anaiah Press, LLC
Release Date:
October 23, 2023
Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Deputy US Marshal, Perry Cole is back in the small town of St. Claire, and he didn’t come alone. Joined by the FBI and a witness who could crack his case wide open, Perry hopes to finally track down one of the most elusive criminals he’s ever targeted. But just as the hunt begins, a murder derails his plans. Now he must partner with the cute-but-snarky Deputy Sheriff Erin Kaminski to find the killer. Perry quickly finds himself getting distracted by the feelings Erin stirs up in him, and if he doesn’t get his head back in the game, one of them may end up at the top of the murderer’s hit list. 

The locals wanted someone else for the Deputy Sheriff position, but Erin Kaminski knows in her heart that St. Claire is where she’s meant to be. And finally, just as she becomes a familiar face to the locals, the FBI and US Marshals show up, making trouble. She wants them to do their job and leave, and so she becomes their local liaison. But when someone turns up dead, she wants to be the one calling the investigative shots. Instead, she’s partnered with the admittedly charming, but overly skeptical, marshal who thinks her faith is nothing but fantasy. With Perry’s constant questions and distracting lure, she needs to keep her head clear enough to see the danger creeping her way—or she’ll end up losing everything.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Anaiah Press | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub


More Books in This Series


Excerpt


“What are you thinking?” Perry asked Erin.

“The different criminals the Snitch ripped off over the span of decades, all the dangerous types she would’ve come across from a life spent in organized crime, even members of law enforcement at every level who she routinely humiliated. That’s hundreds of people with a motive to kill Laney Hicks, and yet, something tells me her murderer lives right here in St. Claire.”

Her gaze left the couple and moved to Perry. Her deep brown eyes widened. She studied him, and he saw a flash of vulnerability and worry. Like she feared what the door that’d been opened would lead to. Was this an involuntary crack in her assertive foot-always-on-the-gas attitude, or was this transparency? A fearlessness to not balk or deny the hard truths in life. A need to put her at ease swelled inside him. Perry swallowed.

“Sounds like you’ve done all the hard work, then.” A feather-sized wisp of her dark chocolate hair floated on a gust of icy wind.

“How do you figure?”

“You’ve eliminated the majority of our suspect list.” He nudged her with an elbow. “We’ll probably have this wrapped up by suppertime.”

She crinkled her nose as though deciding whether he was being serious and then chuckled. “If we manage that, dinner’s on you.”

Perry winked. “Deal.”

Pearl, Allison. Frittered Moments (pp. 42-43). Anaiah Press, LLC. Kindle Edition.

About the Author

Allison Pearl

Allison Pearl is a small-town girl who’s lived just about everywhere. She loves books, tea, coffee, snacks, and watching old movies with her husband and crazy cats.

Connect with Allison by visiting allison-pearl.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates. You can also check out her Facebook page ‘Books by Pearl’ at @allisonnicolepearl or follow her on Twitter at @AllisonPearl5 and Instagram at @allisonnicolepearl.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and kindle copy of Frittered Moments!

Frittered Moments JustRead Tours blog tour giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 21, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 28, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Monday, October 21, 2024

Book Review: The Gentleman's Confession by Anneka R. Walker

About the Book:

Inexperienced in courtship and love, Jemma turns to her best friend, Miles, for guidance on how to win a man’s heart—not knowing that Miles has secretly loved her for years.

Brookeside, England, 1822

Jemma Fielding has always considered herself an independent woman, but to honor her beloved grandmother’s dying wish, she makes a promise that she will marry and fall in love. To fulfill her promise, she turns to the Matchmaking Mamas Society for assistance and is paired with the charming Mr. Bentley. Though he is everything Jemma could hope for in a match, she is clueless about how to win his heart. Desperate to make a good impression, she seeks guidance from her dearest friend, Miles Jackson, a humble rector with a talent for understanding matters of the heart.

However, Miles’s secret affection for Jemma has spanned years, and teaching her to love someone else threatens to betray his own heart. Despite his selfless nature, Miles fears he will never be more than a humble rector in her eyes.

Even as he gives Jemma lessons in love, Miles grapples with the challenge of convincing her that Mr. Bentley may be a perfect gentleman but he is not the perfect match for her. Will Miles’s advice in romance jeopardize their years of friendship, or will it reveal the attraction that has quietly blossomed between them, proving that this time, the Matchmaking Mamas may have made a mistake? Miles must decide if he’s brave enough to confess his feelings to Jemma before she is whisked away forever.


My Thoughts:

In The Gentleman’s Confession by Anneka R. Walker, readers meet Jemma Fielding and Miles Jackson, two affectionate, life-long friends whose relationship changed when Jemma’s dying grandmother exacted a promise from Jemma that she will marry. The beginning of Miles and Jemma’s story was one of friendship and felt largely absent of romantic tension. It wasn’t until Miles truly started pursuing Gemma that the pull between these two grew and my interest piqued.

My favorite aspects of The Gentleman’s Confession were the witty letters that Jemma and Miles exchanged and the theme about being brave enough to pursue what is good and right above pleasing others. It is the introduction of this theme that changes the direction of the story and the relationship between Miles and Jemma. I marked several quotes related to this theme and it has stuck with me since reading the story.

The Gentleman’s Confession by Anneka R. Walker lands a book three in the Matchmaking Mamas Romance series. The romance between Gemma and Miles stands well on its own, but their meetings and work with the Rebels gave me a sense of being out of the loop because I had not read the prior novels. Three stars.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Author Interview: Return of the Son by D. M. Griffin

Return to the Son JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Return of the Son by D.M. Griffin, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Return of the Son

Title: Return of the Son
Series: The Encounter #4
Author: D.M. Griffin
Publisher: Independently published
Release Date: October 10, 2024
Genre: Biblical Fiction 

Her life was perfect. At least her childhood was. Eve never wanted anything except her father's presence. As a prominent advisor to the evil King Herod, Eve's father was split between his duties to the king and his duties as the only living parent for his daughter. With no heir to claim his family's land, Eve's father did what any loving father would do. He arranged for her betrothal. But this wasn't just any betrothal. Her potential husband was related to the king she despised. With a rough marital journey ahead of her, she tenuously clings to the promises of God. 

Not sharing her father's enthusiasm or respect for the Herodian dynasty, Eve acted like the spoiled child she was upon first meeting her betrothed. With faulty expectations and prejudiced opinions, she did what she would to ruin the marriage before it began. It wasn't until it was almost too late that Eve's eyes were open and she saw the opportunity to experience love for the divine intervention that it was. 

Fraught with political intrigue and personal challenges, would Eve be able to fully surrender to the life God wanted her to live by loving a man she thought she could never love? When that man's shadows chase the family into the future, would Eve's son pay the ultimate price? Or would God intervene there too? Could He? Only a single, unforeseen encounter could answer Eve's impossible question. Does love truly conquer death? 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub


More Books in This Series

   


Excerpt from Return of the Son


So the king’s son brought servants with him? That should have come as no surprise. Even Antipas traveled with an entourage. All of Herod’s young sons did. Not that the king would have been the least bit upset if his sons met untimely deaths. Rumors circulated Herod had family members murdered if they became an inconvenience.

Eve clenched her fists, angry at herself for letting her assumptions get away from her again. The judgments were like dark clouds in her soul.

“The thoughts we think determine the steps we take in life, my daughter.” Her father’s words rose to the surface of her mind with the power of rebuke. “Be careful to let the Lord Almighty direct your assumptions or else the enemy’s subtle deception will easily lead you astray. Wisdom is the robe of the Spirit that cloaks us in prayer. Deception is the net of the enemy that lingers hidden like a trap beneath our own private expectations.”

Struggling to regain her composure, Eve clenched her fists and took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. The sound of Antipas’s voice echoed through the room as he kept talking.

“They are servants, Enoch. They will not dine with us.” The arrogance in Antipas’s tone grated. He should show her father more respect. He served Herod for years, after all.

“Of course.” Her father’s sharpened tone drew her admiration.

Enoch was a man who respected individuals based on their image-bearing status in the Lord. Disapproval wasn’t something her father easily engaged in. Once lost, however, it was hard to retrieve his respect. Antipas bordered on losing her father’s respect and earning his disapproval.

About the Author

DM Griffin

D.M. Griffin lives in California but grew up in beautiful New England. As a married woman with three adult children, she enjoys spending her time crafting novels that enhance the truth of Scripture. Her characters are biblically based and entirely captivating. She launched Devoted Steps Ministry in 2016. Besides keeping up with the daily prayers and devotionals on the devotedsteps.com website, she works at a local church. She is an avid reader as well as a writer. Long walks around the lake offer her space for inspiration. Besides biblical fiction, she also writes speculative Christian fiction novels.

Connect with D.M. Griffin by visiting devotedsteps.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Author Interview


Q: What inspired you to write Return of the Son?

D. M.: The unnamed characters in the Bible have always intrigued me. When reading about the encounter between Jesus and the widow from Nain, I felt captivated by her story. She never speaks. Jesus only says three words to her: Do not weep. Yet, as brief as that interaction is, I couldn’t help but feel the poignancy of it tickling the edges of my imagination. Developing her character, and writing her backstory, proved to be a fitting way to finish up The Encounter Series.


Q: How long did it take to write this book?

D. M.: That is a difficult question to answer. Typically, a first draft takes about two to three weeks (and lots of sleepless nights) to complete. Then I spend two years editing, refining, and completing the series. I don’t like to release a book until the entire series is complete. That being said, I have been working with David and Eve for over two years. It is bittersweet to let them go.


Q: What surprised you while researching/writing this novel?

D. M.: I had some soul-sifting moments while writing Return of the Son that truly surprised me. I have shed ‘story tears’ when writing a book before, but as I wrote this story, it tapped into a childhood reservoir that I thought had long since dried up. I had the odd experience of being both a reader and a writer as Return of the Son was birthed on the page. I truly appreciate some of the spiritual takeaways because they spoke to me on a deep level.


Q: Do you have a favorite quote from Return of the Son?

D. M.: Yes. One of my favorites is: “Sometimes in life, our time is better spent seeking how the Lord wants us to respond to a situation rather than finding out what caused it and who we can blame.” Wise, challenging words from Eve’s father, Enoch.


Q: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

D. M.: In second grade, I had barely learned to put letters on a page when I wrote a story that spanned six legal-sized yellow pads of paper. While other kiddos were outside playing, I was inside with my pencil, scratching away a story called The Fog People. Do I still have it? No. It would be funny to see it. But I never wanted to write, so I usually destroyed what I wrote when I read it back to myself. I sort of wrestled with writing more as a compulsion than a true desire. During my younger years, my creative outlet inclined toward music. Once music shrunk to the background in my life, writing re-emerged. I wrote children’s books for fun when my kids were growing up. I kept journals and wrote poetry, and family stories. Eventually, that moved into writing novels. My intention was just to write one for fun, but…umpteen novels later, I finally realized my ‘intentions’ give God a good laugh.


Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers wouldn’t know?

D. M.: Oooh! Secrets. Well, if I learned anything from writing Return of the Son, it was how freeing it is to reveal a secret…Most readers would not know that I spent most of my growing-up years straddled across the US. I lived on the West Coast during the school year with my mom and stepdad and spent summers on the East Coast with my dad and stepmom. While it wasn’t an ideal situation, it taught me to be flexible and drove me to find stability in books. No matter where I was, I always had stories to offer me refuge.


Q: What are you currently reading?

D. M.: I have read some amazing books lately. One of my favorite things is supporting other independent authors by joining ARC teams. I read A Struggle for Courage by Marilyn Parker (comes out in November) which was amazing. I also just finished Brave by Mesu Andrews and Shield of the Mighty by Connilyn Cossette. I just started reading an ARC copy of A Light Undimmed (releases in December) by April Gardner, one of my favorite authors.


Q: What is your favorite genre to read?

D. M.: While Historical Fiction set in the Biblical era are among my favorites, I also like general historical fiction, fantasy, and mystery. I am especially fond of Civil War-era fiction.


Q: What is your favorite hobby?

D. M.: While my current writing habits do not permit much time for hobbies, I enjoy crocheting and drawing. I haven’t picked up my flute for years but still have a strong appreciation for music. I take daily walks around the lake by my house, finding that time to be inspirational.


Q: What is your favorite season and why?

D. M.: I am a spring girl. I find the promise of spring inspirational and the extra light rejuvenating after a long winter. It is the most productive season of the year for me. I always feel so sluggish in winter. But I have a gentle appreciation for fall’s coziness.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card, signed paperback of Return of the Son, and a prayer shawl!

Return of the Son JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 15, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 22, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


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Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Book Spotlight: A Weary World Rejoices Christmas Anthology

A Weary World Rejoices JustRead Blog +Review

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for A Weary World Rejoices by Stacy Monson, Eleanor Bertin, Johnnie Alexander, Angela D. Meyer, and Sara Davison, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

A Weary World Rejoices

Title: A Weary World Rejoices
Series:
A Mosaic Christmas Anthology VI
Authors:
Stacy Monson, Eleanor Bertin, Johnnie Alexander, Angela D. Meyer, Sara Davison
Publisher:
The Mosaic Collection, LLC
Release Date:
October 16, 2024
Genre:
Christian Christmas anthology

With nothing going as planned, will Christmas be a complete disaster this year?

The people in these stories are tired, weighed down by the struggles and cares of life. In the midst of their challenging situations, each receives an unexpected letter.  

The Christmas Kiss – Stacy Monson
Unremarkable Sue
– Eleanor Bertin
Love, Christmas
– Johnnie Alexander
Gifting Christmas
– Angela D. Meyer
The Back Door Christmas Tour Company
– Sara Davison 

Songs like "O Holy Night"are filling the airwaves and promising hope for a weary world, but what will it take for the men and women in these stories to experience true joy this Christmas?  

A Weary World Rejoices is a collection of five stories about discovering joy in the midst of life's challenges—at Christmas and every day of the year.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub


Also Available

   


Excerpt from The Christmas Kiss by Stacy Monson


He savored her blush as much as the fudge mixture until her foot tapped out a clear message. He set the spoon down. “Okay, sooo…it’s very…what’s the word…chocolatey.”

She rolled her eyes. “I sure can’t fool you. What else do you taste?”

“Coffee. And…cream. Like a cappuccino.”

“How’s the flavor balance?”

“Depends on what you’re looking for. It’s fine with the stronger coffee flavor, but maybe a bit more cream if you want a lighter cappuccino. You could promote this for coffee lovers or add the cream so it appeals to a lighter palate.”

“Ooh, I like that idea.” She made notes in what she called her “recipe bible,” the ever-present, purple three-ring binder filled to overflowing. “How about texture?”

“I think it could be a little bit smoother, but I’m being picky for you.”

Her shoulders relaxed and a smile filled her pretty face. “That’s why you’re my number-one taste tester.”

“Because I’m rich, buff, and handsome?”

She laughed. “Because you’re honest. I trust you to give me the truth.”

“I’m not rich, buff, and handsome?” He let his shoulders droop. “I’d rather be that than honest.”

“Trust me, you don’t. Anyway,” she added, moving the mixing bowl closer to the bar pan, “you’re pretty well known for all of those traits. Now, will you hand me the green spatula?”

Unable to hide his smile, he handed the utensil to her, holding on when her fingers wrapped around it. She looked up and he winked. “I’m glad you consider me honest. And all those other things.”


Excerpt from Unremarkable Sue by Eleanor Bertin


She smiled at him, a smile that surprised him by what it did to his insides. C’mon, she’s your kid sister’s friend, barely out of high school. He hid his response by circling around to the driver’s door and hopping inside. Putting the truck in gear, he started down the street toward the highway.

“Next up,” the radio DJ was saying, “we’ve got the Bee Gees with ‘Stayin’ Alive.’”

“Oh, can I turn it up? I love this song.”

“Go ahead.” Glen wasn’t much of a Bee Gees fan, but he kept time, tapping on his leg.

Sue nodded and grooved to the music, singing, “You can tell by the way I use my wok, I’m a walrus man, no time to talk.”

He turned to gape at her, laughing out loud.

“What?” she asked, her eyes all innocent.

“Are you serious? Walrus man?” He pulled his gaze back to watch the road, slapping the steering wheel and chuckling.

“Well, who knows what they’re saying? Now hush and let me listen.” She bounced to the beat, picking up the next lines. “When I’m making a loaf, and I get hired, a cat get in, I need a trike.”

Unbelievable. Whether she was a certified dingbat or a comedian, his shoulders shook as he listened, fascinated as she invented an entire songful of bizarre lyrics.


Excerpt from Love Christmas by Johnnie Alexander


A memory, long buried, stirred inside Shannon’s heart. She perched on the hearth beside Twig’s bed and opened the box. A sheet of crumpled purple tissue paper was inside—nothing else—but once upon a time a surprise gift had lifted her parents’ sagging spirits.

Twig sneezed, then rested her chin on the furry edge of her bed. The tip of her pink tongue protruded beyond her toothless mouth as she stared at Shannon with her expressive, bulging eyes.

“I must have been six or seven when I found this box on our porch swing,” Shannon said, as if answering Twig’s unspoken question. “It was in a gold bag, and Mother’s name was written on the tag.”

Shannon scratched Twig behind her soft ears as the memory came into sharper focus.

Dad delivered pizzas in the evening instead of heading off to the factory each morning for his shift. Her parents talked in low voices, stopping abruptly whenever she entered the room.

Her stomach now tightened with the same heavy knots she’d experienced as a child.

Those unsettling days before Dad found a new job had cast a shadow over the excitement of Christmas.

Then the mysterious box appeared on the porch swing.


Excerpt from Gifting Christmas by Angela D. Meyer


Barry filled a basket with bread. “So, Mrs. Marino, shall we feed the troops?”

Karen laughed. “Next time, could you give me a little more warning before you invite guests over for dinner?”

Barry wrapped his wife in a hug. “I’m sorry Christmas won’t be what you were hoping.”

She leaned against his chest and listened to his heartbeat for a moment. “At least we’re together.”

“That’s what matters. By the way, I ran into your dad at the store earlier. He had a letter for you, but with the storm incoming, he asked me to deliver it. You distracted me from giving it to you earlier.”

“I did, did I?”

“Yep. It’s all your fault.” Barry sobered. “In all seriousness, though. He wanted you to have it for Christmas.” He pulled out an envelope from his back pocket. “It’s from your mom.”

She gasped as she accepted it and looked at the elegant handwriting on the front of the envelope.

He kissed the top of her head. “She must have written it before you returned from New York but died before she could give it to you. Your dad found it in her things.”

She held it against her chest. Sniffling, she slid her finger under the flap.

“Hey, where’s the food?”

Barry and Karen twisted around. Thomas glared at them from the doorway into the kitchen. Karen stuffed the letter in her jeans pocket.

Barry chuckled. “You can go to the store, since you’re in a rush.”

Thomas sputtered. “Do you know who I am?”

“Someone we welcomed in from the cold when he was stranded in the snow.”


Excerpt from The Back Door Christmas Tour Company by Sara Davison


The company spokesperson, who spoke English with a light, Tahitian accent, was nice enough but firm in her insistence that, like all the other companies, their over the holidays were full.

Rav drove his fingers through his hair. Might as well see if he could catch a flight home tomorrow. Pick up his life where he had left off and carry on as though this crazy little spontaneous blip had never happened.

The thought depressed him enough that he decided to take one more shot. “I’m sorry to hear that. You were my last hope. You wouldn’t consider adding one more person if I paid extra?”

After a brief pause, the woman spoke. “Just one? Are you saying you are all alone for Christmas?” As though afraid of anyone overhearing her, the woman had lowered her voice enough that Rav pressed the phone harder to his ear, straining to catch the words. Words that suddenly brought his bleak situation into sharp focus.

He sighed. “Yeah. I suppose I am.”

“What is your name?”

“Rav Temauri.”

A clicking sound echoed through the phone, as though the woman was inputting something into a keyboard. Looking him up? His muscles tensed, but then Rav relaxed. He didn’t have much of an online presence, and he certainly didn’t have anything in his mundane life to hide. What difference would it make if she did a little research on him?

After a moment, she murmured, “So, you’re the one.”

Rav raised his eyebrows. The one? What did that mean?

About the Authors

Stacy Monson  Eleanor Bertin

Stacy Monson is the award-winning author of stories that reveal an extraordinary God at work in ordinary life. Residing in the beautiful, peaceful countryside outside of the Twin Cities with an old dog and 17 chickens. She has two kids, two wonderful in-law kids, and adores being G'ma to 7 amazing grandchildren.

Connect with Stacy at stacymonson.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

From her home in central Alberta, Canada, Eleanor Bertin writes fiction that ponders the depths of God’s love and mercy to humanity. She is the author of The Ties That Bind series, Lifelines, Unbound, and Tethered, the Burning Bright series, Flame of Mercy and Flicker of Trust, as well as the memoir, Pall of Silence, about her late son, Paul. She lives with her husband of 40 years and their youngest son, in what will someday be a beautiful century home.

Connect with Eleanor at eleanorbertinauthor.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Johnnie Alexander  Angela D Meyer

Johnnie Alexander is a wannabe vagabond with a heart for making memories. As a bestselling, award-winning novelist, she has written more than thirty works of fiction in a variety of genres. She is both traditionally and indie-published, serves as board secretary for the Mosaic Collection, LLC (an indie-author group) and faculty chair for the Mid-South Christian Writers Conference; co-hosts Writers Chat, a weekly online show; and contributes to the Heroes, Heroines, and History blog.  A fan of classic movies, stacks of books, and road trips, Johnnie shares a life of quiet adventure with Rugby, her raccoon-treeing papillon. Her grands call her “The Shadow” and dutifully follow this unbreakable rule ~ only she is allowed to open a new bag of Classic Lay’s potato chips.

Connect with Johnnie at johnnie-alexander.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Angela D. Meyer writes fiction that showcases God’s ability to redeem and restore the brokenness in our lives. Angela currently lives in Nebraska, where she and her husband homeschooled and graduated both of their children. Angela is a part of the Mosaic Collection and writes stories that showcase God’s redemption and restoration in our brokenness. Angela enjoys sunrises and sunsets, the ocean when she gets a chance to visit, and hopes to ride in a hot air balloon someday. Connect with Angela at angeladmeyer.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Sara Davison

Sara Davison is the author of The Night Guardians, The Rose Tattoo, two sparrows for a penny, and In the Shadows series, as well as the standalone, The Watcher. A finalist for more than a dozen national writing awards, including the Christy Award, Davison is a Holt Medallion, Cascade, and two-time Carol Award winner for romantic suspense. She lives in Ontario with her husband, Michael. Like every good Canadian, she loves coffee, hockey, poutine, and apologizing for no particular reason.

Connect with Sara at saradavison.org to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a paperback copy of A Weary World Rejoices as well as a metal wall hanging that says A Thrill of Hope, the Weary World Rejoices!

A Weary World Rejoices JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 14, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 21, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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